Everything You Need To Know About Baby Crib Dos And Don ts
Choosing a Baby Crib
Designing a nursery is an exciting experience, but choosing the right crib is among the most important decisions you will make. The crib where your baby sleeps will have a significant impact on their development and health whether it's the design of the slats or the mattress height.
Examine the crib's hardware frequently. Bolts and nails can get loose over time. Do not place your crib near drapes or blinds hanging because they could pose an injury risk to your baby.
Size
Size is an important factor to consider when purchasing a crib. The crib should be large enough to fit a sleeping baby, but compact enough to allow you to reach them in a safe manner to care for them. It should also be strong enough to withstand the wear and tear of regular use.
The majority of cribs are constructed from metal or wood and a majority include slatted sides. These features are designed to let caregivers observe the baby from various angles and ensure adequate air flow. Cribs can be used from birth until your child is about two years old. of age, at which point they need to be moved into the toddler bed.
Most cribs are equipped with a mattress support height that can be lowered or raised as your baby develops. The lowest setting is suitable for newborns, while the highest setting is ideal for babies who sit up or crawl. Make sure you measure the interior of your crib to be sure that the mattress is suitable as the slatted structure of most cribs may leave tiny gaps that could be dangerous for your baby.
Some manufacturers offer non-standard cribs and mattresses that meet the same safety standards as full-size cribs. These include play yards, portable infant mini cot beds, and bassinets. These cribs typically come with mesh or rigid sides, and they tend to be smaller than the full-size cribs.
Check the manufacturer's guidelines to determine the recommended mattress size in case you decide to purchase a crib that is not standard. They may have specific specifications that differ from the standard crib mattress dimensions of 28 inches wide and 52 inches long. Also, you should be sure to check the distance between the crib mattress and the crib to ensure that it is not greater than 1 inch. This is the most safe distance.
A waterproof mattress cover can keep it clean and protected from spills or accidents. Select one that has an antimicrobial barrier that helps reduce bacteria, and a hypoallergenic layer that blocks allergens.
If you're thinking of buying a crib with drop-sides, you should know that they have been linked to 32 infant deaths between 2000 and 2010 and were banned in the US in 2011. If you do decide to buy or receive a crib with drop sides, make sure to dispose of it when your child is 35 inches or is able to be able to climb out.
Safety
A crib for your baby is among the most secure places for your child to sleep. It's not just an area to rest, but also a place to observe and hold them often. There are a myriad of cribs and brands available all of them must be able to meet certain safety standards. These standards are established by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and they make sure the cribs you buy are safe for your baby.
Before putting your baby in the crib, make sure it is clean and free of dust and dander. Remove any toys or stuffed animal that might fall out of the bed. Do not place any pillows or blankets in the crib. They could cause death by suffocation. Use a fitted sheet and a mattress cover.
Some commenters suggested that cribs should be required to be in compliance with formaldehyde emission standards set out in the Formaldehyde Standards for Wood Products Act (Pub. L. 111-199) and that cribs constructed of composite wood should be tested to ensure conformity. Although these requirements don't directly apply to cribs, the CPSC has ruled that it is appropriate to require that cribs and other furniture made of composite wood meet the requirements of this important new law.
Other commenters suggested that the new crib standard should contain the requirement to tighten fasteners between dynamic tests. We strongly oppose this suggestion. The shake test and vertical mattress support impact tests are dynamic tests that simulate and accelerate abuse of cribs. The loose screw is the second most frequent cause of fatalities in cribs.
Other comments were based upon EWS incident information. The data shows that the two most frequent crib hazards are unsafe mattresses and drop-sides. We therefore decided to focus on these concerns in the rulemaking process and to incorporate the performance standards that are already contained in the existing mandatory standard through reference. The incorporation of reference standards is the best cots method to ensure that the cribs' safety is maintained in a consistent and effective way.
Style
It's an enjoyable and thrilling experience to design the nursery of your baby's. The crib is the main focal feature of any nursery, so select one that fits your style and complements the decor. Whether you prefer a modern and minimalist design or more traditional, there are lots of chic cribs to pick from. You can find options in every price range, from affordable to luxurious. Be sure that the crib you pick is in compliance with all the necessary safety guidelines.
A crib is a compact bed that is specially designed for infants and babies. It has slatted walls that allow for an airy environment and is typically constructed from durable materials such as wood. Cribs are often larger and more expensive than bassinets, however they offer more functionality for the first three years of your child's existence.
There are a variety of crib styles available, but all of them must meet safety standards. The crib slats, for instance, shouldn't exceed 6 centimeters (about the size of a can of soda) apart. It is also recommended to beware of cutouts or ornaments in the footboard and headboard.
In addition, the mattress must be able to fit comfortably within the crib's opening. This is important because gaps between the mattress and crib can allow babies' arms or legs to become entangled. Many cribs include stabilizer bars to help keep the mattress in place. But if you have a crib that doesn't have them, make sure you purchase a mattress pad for extra support.
A great crib also has a mattress that is low that prevents toddlers from climbing over the crib's edge. This is a fantastic feature for parents with children who are smaller or rooms that are restricted in size. However, make sure to check out the mattress height before making your purchase. The corner of the majority of mattresses will list the crib's maximum and minimum mattress heights.
If you want an infant crib that grows with your child, think about purchasing a convertible crib. These cribs can be converted into a toddler's cot bed sales, a daybed or even a bed that is full size. A few of the cribs in our list, such as the Babyletto Hudson 3-in-1 and Delta Children Tribeca 4-in-1, come with conversion kits that are included. The rest require an additional purchase.
Budget
While the majority of cribs are priced in the hundreds of dollars however, there are a few cribs on the market that are affordable. The Graco Classic 4-in-1 Crib for instance, is priced less than $200 and is 5 stars rated by BabyCenter, Baby Bargains, and National Parent Publications. It also has a medium-height profile, which makes it easy to take your baby in and out.
Another budget-friendly crib is the Munchkin Brica Travel Pod. It is easy to set up and folds up in two minutes. It can be used inside or outside, on decks or patios. It is suitable for babies weighing up to 15 pounds. It's not a permanent sleep solution, however as your baby will outgrow it in about six months.
You can also find affordable bassinets and cradles can be used for the first few weeks to keep your baby snug and close. Although they're more expensive than a standard crib they are also smaller and easy to move around. However, they are only a short-term sleeping solution and your baby will outgrow them before their first birthday.
A crib that is of good cribs quality will have a mattress support that is strong and secure, and is able to be adjusted to four different positions depending on the baby's weight. It should be low enough to allow you to reach into and out of it easily, especially in the case of children under 5'5. Some cribs have posts that extend over 1 8 inch above the mattress's opening, which could cause your child to be trapped as they play or climb.
Some cribs feature attached changing areas which can make diapering a bit easier and faster. Although they are convenient, they tend to take up more space than traditional cribs and might not be the best option for smaller nurseries.
Consider the materials that the crib is made of. Many traditional cribs are made of particleboard, which may contain formaldehyde which is a known carcinogen. Choose a crib that is constructed out of solid wood or has a metal base instead.